Kenneth Gene Folsom

Ken was born on September 5th, 1940, in Great Bend, Kansas, to George and Helen Folsom. He was the youngest of three children. He grew up in Hoisington, Kansas, where he enjoyed hunting at Cheyenne Bottoms and fishing at Lake Barton with his Dad. In high school he played football for the Hoisington Cardinals, played trumpet in the dance band, and sang tenor in the boys’ quartet. It was at Hoisington High School in 1956 that Ken met his future wife, Judy.

After graduation from Hoisington High in 1958, Kenneth pursued a degree in music education at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas. While in college he directed the Blue Dozen Brass Ensemble and sang in the Bethany Oratorio Society. Upon graduation in 1962 he accepted a position in Hays, Kansas teaching music to junior high and elementary students in the public school system.

In 1963 Kenneth married his high school sweetheart, Judith Reimer and they made their home in Hays, Kansas. Together they welcomed two daughters, Sarah and Jennifer.

In 1969 Ken completed his master’s degree at Fort Hays Kansas State College and was promoted to Director of Bands at Hays High School. One of his fondest memories from Hays High was taking the marching band to Kansas City to perform at half-time for the Chiefs.

In 1977, he transitioned from teaching, into the business realm, and became a commodities broker. He worked as a broker in Hays for 25 years becoming owner/president of Daco, Inc.

Ken was elected twice to the Hays Board of Education serving a term as president; he was also president of the Hays Chamber of Commerce in ‘88. Throughout his time in Hays, Kenneth was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was on their finance and endowment committees. He played trumpet in The Fort Hays State Symphony Orchestra for 30 years and many years in the Hays Brass Quintet.

Ken was known for his love of big band music—music that was sure to put dancers “In the Mood.” He assembled an 18-piece band of talented musicians in 1983 and started rehearsing. The Hays Big Band became a hit, playing at venues across Kansas for benefits and festivals, but ultimately for “the love of music.”

Ken and Judy moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2005 and Ken retired from his commodities business a few years later. In Colorado he enjoyed singing in the First United Methodist Church Choir while also serving on the church Finance and Sacred Concert Series Boards. For several years, Ken served on the finance committee for the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony and enjoyed attending their concerts, ensembles, and fundraisers.

Ken leaves behind his devoted wife of 60 years, Judy Folsom; his sister Joan Tenbarge of Newton, KS; daughters Sarah Schumacher (Brad) of Hays, KS, and Jennifer Miller (Hanford) of Monument, CO; and loving grandchildren Hope, Hanford, Owen, Noah, and Isaac, and nieces and

nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Wayne.

A ceremony celebrating Ken’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at The First United Methodist Church in Hays, Kansas, with dinner to follow the service. The family will be receiving friends and family from 9:00 a.m. until the service starting time at 10:00 a.m. in the parlor of the First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony or The Fort Hays State University Music Department.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Swan-Law.com for the Folsom family.